Texas Fishing Forum

Tilapia?

Posted By: grandpa75672

Tilapia? - 03/19/12 02:14 AM

Don't know where else to post this topic.
Some one has suggested that Martin Creek Reservoir is a good place for Tilapia. I have never fished for, caught, or eaten one. For various reasons I am unable to use a boat for the time being.
My question is can tilapia be caught with any certainty from the shore at Martin Creek, either from the fishing dock, the bridge, or along the bank of the road that crosses the back side of the lake. If so, what is a good method. Small hook, light line and worms, crawlers, meal worms, grubs, small flies for bait?

Posted By: Don Morey

Re: Tilapia? - 03/19/12 03:15 AM

I know they used to catch them with a net from Fairfield. We have caught an occasional Talipia here using corn.

Posted By: Dfitz

Re: Tilapia? - 03/19/12 03:23 AM

Tilapia are used as a forage fish in a lot of managed private water. I have caught them with nymphs on a fly rod, when fishing for gills. A lot easier to do if the water is clear. They can be pellet trained, so if you know where they are, a few days of chumming may help you out. They eat plants, but wouldn't recommend putting a piece of primrose on your line cause you may be there for a while... Sorry have never been to the water you are asking about, and thats about all I know in regards to Tilapia..

Posted By: Meadowlark

Re: Tilapia? - 03/19/12 02:09 PM

I haven't fished Martin Creek myself for them but have fished a good bit for Tilapia. They will take red worms pretty well, but you have to get away from the bluegills because they will beat the Tilapia to the bait every time.

Also, they will hit flies especially bead head nymphs, when presented right in front of them. They generally will not pursue a bait so you have to put the fly pretty much on their nose.

I talked to a fellow once that had very good luck using cut cucumbers on Martin Creek for Tilapia. Might try that also.

Posted By: the big white dually

Re: Tilapia? - 03/19/12 03:32 PM

as far as i know theyfeed on vegatation. so cucumbers
as odd as it sounds just may be a good bait for them?
ive nvr fished fro em, but ive eaten plenty. and their sho
good

Posted By: USMC_Guy

Re: Tilapia? - 03/19/12 05:23 PM

I have caught a couple with a sabiki rig with green peas on each hook. I have caught only one with worms. Like stated above, I have read that small flies will catch them but usually around sunup and sundown. I haven't tried for them with my flyrod yet so that is just what I have read.

Posted By: jagg

Re: Tilapia? - 03/19/12 05:29 PM

Caught a big one on a interior weighted T-rigged mustard colored tube. That one really sticks out in my mind. Fought like the Dickens! Bunch of guys throw a cast net for them from baots and 'yaks. Seen a bunch of reports of guys catching them ok on canned corn. Sabiki rig that Mike mentioned sounds high perccentage. Meadowlark knows more about tilapia than I ever will, so I would listen to him as well as others who have piped in.

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